Author Topic: Saitek X52 getting sticky (Read 2168 times)

scottydawg · « **on:** December 04, 2006, 10:00:41 AM »

My X52 stick is getting sticky... the action on the X/Y axis is creaky, it's like it is jerky and hangs, kind of hard to describe. I tried a little vaseline on the plastic part of the axis but that didn't help. Any ideas?

And yes I'm aware of the heaping helping of double entendres this post has.

RTR · « **Reply #1 on:** December 04, 2006, 10:20:29 AM »

Have the same issue with my X45.

Anybody have a simple fix?

cheers,
RTR

Mace2004 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 04, 2006, 10:37:19 AM »

The pressure plate at the bottom of the spring is probably wearing. I've heard that petroleum jelly is NOT what you want to use as it reacts in some way with the plastic. Recommend you try a small amount of silicon lube on the bottom of the plate and around the ring on the base.

Edit: Forgot to mention you should also put a little lube on the lower part of the metal shaft where the pressure plate slides.

Just curious, but have you by any chance increased the spring pressure (inserting washers or other fix)? I've had my X-52 for quite a while and haven't had any problems like what you're mentioning. I did with two previous X-45's but then the X-45 spring pressure is much higher and probably contributed to earlier wear on the pressure plate.

scottydawg · « **Reply #3 on:** December 04, 2006, 10:51:29 AM »

Thanks mace. I have not altered my 52, even though I've found it to be a bit on the 'floppy' side (yet another entendre)... I'll clean the plate up and try some dielectric grease (silicone). Thanks for the help.

Lye-El · « **Reply #4 on:** December 04, 2006, 03:52:50 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by RTR
Have the same issue with my X45.

Anybody have a simple fix?

cheers,
RTR

I tie wrapped a couple of turns on the spring of My X-45 and used candle wax on the "cup". Made it a lot smoother.

moneyguy · « **Reply #5 on:** December 04, 2006, 06:05:55 PM »

i pushed mine to the side and got a CH stick

airspro · « **Reply #6 on:** December 04, 2006, 06:28:53 PM »

How old is that stick now scottydawg ?

I just bought a 290 model for my neice , she's 8

and thinks AH is soooo cool

scottydawg · « **Reply #7 on:** December 04, 2006, 07:42:02 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by airspro
How old is that stick now scottydawg ?

I just bought a 290 model for my neice , she's 8 and thinks AH is soooo cool

I think I bought it in May...

Ghosth · « **Reply #8 on:** December 05, 2006, 07:44:03 AM »

A good silicone spray will work best on that sticky center. A couple of wire ties on the spring lets you adjust pressure to exactly what you like.

Stay away from regular oils that can dry out and get sticky again.

Schatzi · « **Reply #9 on:** December 05, 2006, 07:59:01 AM »

Actually, i used candle wax on my X45 (i think it was you Ly-El who had suggested it?).

Took a common white candle, made it pointy at one end with a sharp knife and then rubbed it onto the plastic that the ring is riding on (when full deflecting the stick to one side) - onec around of course.

Had to do that two or three times, now its smooth as a babies butt, but still firm.

RTR · « **Reply #10 on:** December 05, 2006, 10:49:36 AM »

Candle wax eh?

Great Idea! Thanks will give it a go!

cheers,
RTR

scottydawg · « **Reply #11 on:** December 05, 2006, 10:58:13 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Schatzi
Actually, i used candle wax on my X45 (i think it was you Ly-El who had suggested it?).

Took a common white candle, made it pointy at one end with a sharp knife and then rubbed it onto the plastic that the ring is riding on (when full deflecting the stick to one side) - onec around of course.

Had to do that two or three times, now its smooth as a babies butt, but still firm.

I tried that, didn't work for me. Got some spark plug boot grease from the garage, worked like a charm.